Modular UUV Propulsion With Magnetic Coupling for Field Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and autonomous vehicles are costly due to specialized designs, limited adaptability, and proprietary systems, making them inflexible and expensive to produce and maintain, with narrow mission capabilities and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular design for UUVs and autonomous vehicles that allows users to assemble and configure modules such as propulsion, sensors, and control surfaces in the field, using magnetic attachments and integrated data busses, enabling flexibility and easy replacement of components without compromising environmental integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specialized designs are used for specific missions, then mission capability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into modular components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each module (propulsion, sensors, control surfaces, payload) can be produced separately through standard manufacturing processes, then combined to create different mission-configured vehicles, reducing nonrecurring engineering costs.
Solution Approach 2:
A single standardized platform design serves multiple mission types through interchangeable modules. The common airframe, propulsion system, and control architecture can be configured for different missions by swapping payload modules and adjusting sensor packages, eliminating the need for separate specialized vehicles for each mission type.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed configuration is used at manufacture, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs segmented modular architecture where components are standardized and designed for easy assembly and disassembly. Modules feature standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms that enable field reconfiguration without complex manufacturing processes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle configuration is made dynamic through interchangeable modules that can be added or removed in the field. The standardized mounting systems and connector interfaces allow the vehicle to be reconfigured for different missions after manufacture, transforming a static design into a dynamically adaptable platform.
3Device complexity
If proprietary systems are used, then system integration is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle uses standardized, non-proprietary interfaces and communication protocols that enable different modules from various manufacturers to be integrated. This universal approach reduces operational costs by allowing module replacement and upgrades without proprietary lock-in, while maintaining system integration through standardized data buses and control interfaces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized vehicles are produced, then mission coverage is improved, but production volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized platform design can be configured for multiple mission types through module interchangeability. This allows one production line to generate vehicles for various missions by swapping payload and sensor modules, increasing production volume through economies of scale while maintaining broad mission coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the vehicle into standardized modules, the same base platform can serve multiple missions. This enables high-volume production of the common platform, with mission-specific capabilities achieved through modular attachments, thereby increasing overall production volume compared to manufacturing separate specialized vehicles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This modular approach reduces production costs, enhances adaptability, and improves maintenance efficiency, allowing vehicles to be configured for various missions without the need for multiple specialized units, thereby lowering operational expenses and increasing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic attachments and integrated data busses, enabling flexibility and easy replacement of components
Data Source
AI summary
A field configurable autonomous vehicle includes modular elements and attachable components. The vehicle can be assembled from these modular elements and components to meet desired mission and performance characteristics without the need to purchase specially designed vehicles for each mission. The vehicle can include a modular propulsion system with magnetic drive.